Kerry Washington Says Animals Cast Rewrote Scenes With Ben Affleck
Kerry Washington told MovieWeb that she, Steven Yeun and Ben Affleck workshopped a scene, and that co-stars wrote their own dialogue during rehearsals.
Kerry Washington said the cast of Animals contributed to the film's script after she joined the project, in an interview with MovieWeb. She said Luis Gerardo Méndez and Adriana Paz wrote their own scenes after being given story beats, and that she, Steven Yeun and Ben Affleck workshopped a scene together.
Ben Affleck, who directs the Netflix political crime thriller, described Washington as a co-director on the film. Adriana Paz said Affleck gave the cast freedom to change any of their characters' lines, and that the cast rehearsed inside the house where the film was later shot.
The screenplay of Animals is officially co-written by Ben Affleck, Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray. Affleck also produces and stars in the film.
Cast and release
Washington plays Abigail, the wife of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, played by Affleck. The plot centers on the kidnapping of their son and a ransom situation that reveals long-held secrets. The cast also includes Gillian Anderson.
Animals is set for release on Netflix on October 9, 2026. Matt Damon and Jennifer Garner were once set to lead the film before the main roles were recast, following production setbacks.
Quick answers
When does Animals come out on Netflix?
Animals is scheduled for release on Netflix on October 9, 2026.
Who wrote the screenplay for Animals?
The screenplay is officially co-written by Ben Affleck, Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray. Kerry Washington said the cast also contributed to the script during rehearsals.
Who stars in Animals?
Ben Affleck stars as Mark Kimball and Kerry Washington plays Abigail. The cast also includes Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Adriana Paz.